TRAIL TRIALS SUMMARY

Riding a horse on a trail has always been one big obstacle course.
The California State Horsemen's Association has taken this fact one step further
and now has a fully recognized sanctioned program where riders are judged on
their skills and abilities to guide their horses through a natural obstacle
course. This type of course riding is known as "Trail Trials". Sanctioned CSHA
Trail Trials are produced throughout the year all over California by equestrian
clubs, individuals and the CSHA Regional area programs. Click here for the Calendar of
Events . A "TT" consists of a ride with approximately 10-12
judged natural obstacles that appear along a trail of several miles in parks or
private property. This is not an arena event!

The program is open to all breeds from Icelandic ponies to
Warmbloods, as well as all riding disciplines. The rides consist of obstacles
and situations people might encounter on a trail ride. A course is designed
using the natural obstacles that already exist on a particular trail such as
walking over logs, opening a gate, or maneuvering through a creek. In riding you
may also encounter obstacles such as birthday parties, family BBQ's, volleyball
games and mountain bikes...these are considered "natural" obstacles as well.

This is not a timed event, but casual in nature. Riders may be
given a time limit to ride through a particular obstacle so that riders behind
them don't get held back. Riders may ride as individuals or groups...so family
participation is encouraged as family or friends may ride together.

Helmet use is recommended and encouraged. Any type saddle
and any type of bridle are required. Riders are also required to have a
halter or halter-bridle, lead rope, knife and hoof pick with them at all times
on the ride.

Riders are judged individually and strictly on how well they
negotiated their horse through an obstacle with an emphasis on calmness and
safety. Points are given based on this criteria. Several regions have their own
High Point Program with an annual awards ceremony where year-end awards are
given. You can contact the Chairman of your region State Committee Members and
Region Contacts to obtain the rules and requirements for your particular
region. To locate the CSHA Region where you reside, click here . Those
members completing three sanctioned Trail Trials are eligible to participate in
the State Championship Event (under the State Rules) regardless
of their placing in their individual Region.

Trail Trials are about trail riding and that means common sense,
staying on the appropriate trails (all trails are clearly marked), the ability
to move safely down the trail, and, of course, have fun doing it.